| Sympathy words in a letter or sympathy card | | | | computer or a card with your signature |
| can be an encouraging ray of light to someone | | | | pre-printed - you want the sympathy message to |
| who has recently lost a loved one. After a death, | | | | be as personal as possible. |
| things can seem bleak and depressing, and words | | | | Send your sympathy words in a timely manner. A |
| of sympathy are often a helpful way for the | | | | general rule of thumb is to mail out the card or |
| bereaved to cope with their loss. Receiving mail | | | | letter no more than two weeks after the death. |
| from friends and loved ones showing that they | | | | This generally means that your words of |
| care in a difficult time is a great source of | | | | sympathy will arrive shortly after the funeral - a |
| comfort. | | | | time when your loved one will need them most. If |
| As a friend of the bereaved, however, finding the | | | | you've procrastinated, however, don't feel as |
| right sympathy words to show how much you | | | | though you cannot send your sympathy message. |
| care can be difficult. has free examples of | | | | Your heartfelt words are sure to be appreciated, |
| sympathy words and sayings you can use to help | | | | even if they're a bit delayed. |
| you write your own sympathy card or letter. | | | | Words of Sympathy to Include in Your Message |
| Finding the right sympathy words, although not an | | | | There are some basic elements that should |
| easy task, is well worth the time and effort you'll | | | | always be included in a sympathy letter. By |
| spend. The survivor will receive many pre-printed | | | | including all of these elements, you'll end up with a |
| sympathy words in the form of cards and other | | | | nicely written sympathy letter each time you |
| greetings, but very few handwritten sympathy | | | | need one, without struggling to find the right |
| messages. By taking the time to write your own | | | | words. |
| words of sympathy on a purchased greeting | | | | First, you should sincerely express your sympathy |
| card, you're showing your friend that they're | | | | for your loved one's loss. Mention the deceased |
| special to you and that you sincerely want to help | | | | by name, and refer to them casually or by a |
| them through a difficult time. Your words of | | | | nickname if appropriate. Avoid using overly formal |
| comfort and support will serve as a reminder of | | | | language if you had a friendly relationship. |
| your love for the deceased, and may be | | | | Secondly, include a memory of the deceased if |
| treasured for years to come. | | | | possible. Mention their character strengths or |
| Tips for Writing Sympathy Words | | | | endearing qualities, and demonstrate to the |
| When you sit down to compose your letter or | | | | survivor that their loved one will be missed. |
| card, be transparent about your feelings. Don't | | | | Last, choose a personal closing for your letter. |
| feel that you need to "dress up" your words, use | | | | Use words that show the reader that they're in |
| flowery language, or be excessively fancy. | | | | your thoughts, such as "Wishing you Peace" or |
| Instead, write your sympathy message as if | | | | "Thinking of You". Generic greeting such as |
| you're speaking to your friend face-to-face. They'll | | | | "Sincerely", while appropriate, lack a personal |
| appreciate a genuine message from your heart | | | | touch. |
| more than a contrived sympathy message that | | | | Sympathy words can be difficult to write, but are |
| you had to work to write. There are many | | | | always appreciated. By taking the time to write |
| sample sympathy words for cards and letters | | | | genuine words of sympathy and send them to |
| available online that can give you a clear idea of | | | | your loved one, you're demonstrating how much |
| what to write. | | | | you care and showing them that their family |
| If you're sending a card, you can either write | | | | member will be missed. By using these tips and |
| your message on the non-printed area inside, or | | | | guidelines, you can craft sympathy words that will |
| jot it on a piece of stationary and tuck it into the | | | | encourage and comfort your friends and family in |
| card. If writing a letter, take the time to pen it by | | | | difficult times. |
| hand. Don't send a sympathy letter printed on the | | | | |